This passion for the romantic might have reduced the conqueror of Mexico to the part of a common adventurer, but Cortes was certainly a profound politician and a great captain, if one is justified in giving this name to a man who accomplished great actions by his own unassisted genius. There is no other example in history of so great an enterprise having been carried to a successful end with such inadequate means. It may be said with truth that Cortes conquered Mexico with his own resources alone. His influence over the minds of his soldiers was the natural result of their confidence in his ability, but it must be attributed also to his popular manners, which rendered him eminently fit to lead a band of adventurers. When he had attained to a higher rank, if Cortes displayed more of pomp, his veterans at least continued on the same terms of intimacy with him as before. In finishing this portrait of the "conquistador," we shall quote the upright and veracious Bernal Diaz, with whose sentiments we fully agree. "He preferred his name of Cortes to all the titles by which he might be addressed, and he had good reasons for it, for the name of Cortes is as famous in our days as that of Cesar amongst the Romans, or Hannibal amongst the Carthaginians." The old chronicler ends by a touch which vividly depicts the religious spirit of the sixteenth century: "Perhaps he was destined to receive his reward only in a better world, and I fully believe it to be so; for he was an honest knight, very sincere in his devotions to the Virgin, to the Apostle St. Peter, and to all the saints." III. THE CONQUERORS OF CENTRAL AMERICA. The triple alliance--Francisco Pizarro and his brothers--Don Diego d'Almagro--First attempts--Peru, its extent, people, and kings-- Capture of Atahualpa, his ransom and death--Pedro d'Alvarado-- Almagro in Chili--Strife among the conquerors--Trial and execution of Almagro--Expeditions of Gonzalo Pizarro and Orellana-- Assassination of Francisco Pizarro--Rebellion and execution of his brother Gonzalo.